A severe case of Plasmodium falciparum malaria imported by a French traveler from Cameroon to French Guiana despite regular intake of Artemisia annua herbal tea

Abstract

The use of herbal tea with Artemisia annua by travelers and traditional communities in Africa has increased in recent years as a supposed form of malaria prophylaxis, although its use is not recommended due to lack of efficacy. The risk of severe malaria complications that can lead to death is real regarding said behavior, and awareness needs to be raised. We report a case of severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria imported in the Amazon rainforest by a traveler returning from Cameroon who treated himself with Artemisia annua herbal tea.

Role of the European Pharmacist in the Implementation of the Latest WHO Guidelines for Malaria

“…However, the misuse of artemisinin-based dietary supplements or herbal medicine based on dried Artemisia plants as antimalarial prophylaxis is increasing among travelers and raises the risk of severe malaria complications that can lead to death [ 40 ]. Moreover, following an extensive review of the evidence on the efficacy of non-pharmaceutical forms of Artemisia conducted in 2019, WHO issued a policy statement in which it does not justify the promotion of Artemisia plant material or its use in any form for the prevention or treatment of malaria [ 41 ].…”